Every year, major changes happen in the marketing world, so it is safe to say 2026 will be no different. LinkedIn started the year with an updated algorithm and new trends are flowing throughout social media, something that will only continue as the year goes on and more content is being introduced.
To prove it further, Google Trends saw a spike in keyword search for “2026 Strategy” and “2026 Marketing Trends” to start the year (see graphs), as companies are planning their business and marketing strategies for the new year.
“2026 Strategy”
“2026 Marketing Trends”
In 2025, we saw a big push in AI, video, and all new things digital marketing. As we look back, it is important to maintain what was learned, while embracing what’s to come. AI is not going away and is now being recognized more as a tool than a replacement, which is changing the game. Videos are still dominating on every platform with no end in sight. Digital marketing is ever changing and will continue to evolve throughout the year. Instead of stressing about what’s to come, it is time to form a clear strategic plan to advance your company and career, so let’s dive into understanding the industry and developing a successful marketing strategy.
What’s to Come for 2026
1. Improving SEO and GEO
We have all heard of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), but Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is where you should be shifting your focus for the upcoming year.
Whenever you are searching a topic on Google (or similar), the first thing that pops up now is the “AI Overview”. This AI Overview is pulled from different sites across the internet that have the ‘best’ answers to the question at hand. Focusing on GEO allows your website to be chosen when it comes to what AI Overview picks to advertise.
In order to show up, your site needs to be reliable and clear so that AI can read it and recommend it. During this time, it is crucial to balance SEO and GEO so that you are visible in both organic search AND through the AI overview to maximize reach.
2. LinkedIn Algorithm
The LinkedIn algorithm, aka “360 Brew”, is the latest update from LinkedIn to start the year. It focuses more on humanization and creating connections over surface-level discussion.
Here are some things to look out for so that your account does not fall behind:
- Your profile should match what you post about. Your headline, about section, and experience should follow the 3-5 main topics that you discuss.
- Add value through both your posts and your engagements. “Agreed!” is no longer going to cut it, you have to show expertise or opinion on the subject.
- Be relatable. That’s it. People want something to connect to and that they can talk on. The more you post about your experiences, the more people feel comfortable sharing their own, helping to create discussion and high value conversations
3. Humanization is Key
Similar to the LinkedIn algorithm, people are wanting more quality, human-feeling posts in the digital world. In 2026, quantity of content is not a problem. AI can draft something in under 10 seconds: pictures, blogs, videos, you name it. That is why, this year, it is the value that your work brings that will matter.
People want a qualified, subject matter expert to teach on the topic they are searching for. They are drawn to what stands out and things that are beneficial to them. Keep this in mind when you are creating your voice and persona, whether it be for a business or yourself, and make sure you are embracing what you are knowledgeable on and expressing that out to people.
Putting it into Practice
Just because the new year has started, does not mean you are going to become an expert in all things marketing and strategy on day one. Luckily, there are tons of spots to explore on marketing and what is trending to allow you to improve your skills while saving time and money.
If you are looking to dive into general marketing, or to investigate specific topics, places like HubSpot Academy and General Assembly are great, free resources to start with. That being said, you can’t have success if you don’t implement. So, in addition to learning, make sure you are putting these tools into practice to advance your skillset.
Some useful platforms for implementing these expected trends are:
- Semrush (paid) is a great tool for SEO and GEO for seeing how your website is ranking amongst others.
- LinkedIn has a premium version to dive deeper into your analytics, but the free version also gets the job done as a beginner.
- HubSpot is great for social planning and analyzing your data to see how it went.
- Google Trends will help understand the market and what people are looking for.
- ChatGPT can assist in outlining a social media or campaign calendar.
Learn more about these platforms, and more, in next month’s article, Digital Marketing Resources: Continued Learning, Following Trends, and Making an Impact.
While learning and practicing are essential to successfully building a strategy plan, the best thing you can do is continue to build a community for the future. If you are looking to learn while on social media, influencers are a great version of this. Find an SME on LinkedIn (or other preferred social channel) for your type of marketing and give them a follow, or join a marketing ‘group’ where possible.
Outside of social media, join something like American Marketing Association Boston (AMAB) for continued learning and networking opportunities. There are tons of different communities out there looking for new members, virtually and in-person.
Planning for 2026 and Beyond
Whether you are looking to increase your reach on search or social media, improving your content across all your channels, or trying to learn more to excel in your career, 2026 is the year to do it.
Use this article and these resources to get you started on building your marketing plan and putting it into practice for 2026. While you are at it, follow Victoria Franco on LinkedIn for more marketing content like this, or join the American Marketing Association to be around likeminded people, as well as, attend events with educational topics, industry trends, and networking.
